CFL free agent rankings: Defensive Backs

As we approach the opening of CFL free agency on Tue., Feb. 13, 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk, Drew Edwards and John Hodge are ranking every player potentially available by position. Here are the strong side linebackers and defensive backs divided by nationality.

Strongside linebackers (SAM)

1. Chandler Fenner, BC
Age: 27
Starts in 2017: 18
Key stats: 76 tackles, 27 special teams tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT
Notes: Fenner is an absolute stud who flourished at SAM linebacker in 2017. He piled up special teams tackles too. If he gets to the market there will be plenty of suitors.

2. Otha Foster, SSK
Age: 29
Starts in 2017: 3
Key stats: 11 tackles, 184 for his career
Notes: If Foster can stay healthy he should be able to reach his old form. Might be a bargain for the team that lands him.

3. T.J. Heath, WIN
Age: 30
Starts in 2017: 18
Key stats: 64 tackles, 5 INT
Notes: Personnel men in the league have questioned his willingness to tackle and physicality, but there are no doubts about his cover and ball skills.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

4. Mitchell White, TOR
Age: 27
Starts in 2017: 6
Key stats: 11 tackles, 3 INT
Notes: The last two CFL teams White has played for won the Grey Cup. Good luck charm, but no coincidence.

7. Emanuel Davis, HAM
Age: 28
Starts in 2017: 6
Key stats: 18 tackles, one forced fumble
Notes: Injured in training camp, then fell out of favour last season but has two all-star seasons on his resume.

11. Garry Peters, EDM
Age: 26
Starts in 2017: 8
Key stats: 35 tackles
Notes: If Peters could cover receivers as tightly as he grabs officials he would be an all-star.

12. Johnny Adams, EDM
Age: 28
Starts in 2017: 6
Key stats: 55 tackles, two interceptions
Notes: There were glimpses of Adam’s returning to all-star form, but it seemed like a patchwork job with all the injuries in Edmonton.

18. Anthony Jackson, BC
Age: 28
Starts in 2017: 5
Key stats: 17 tackles and one interception
Notes: Six-foot-one players with Jackson’s athleticism are hard to find, but he’s had a difficult time being consistent.

Defensive backs (National)

1. Jermaine Gabriel, TOR
Age: 27
Starts in 2017: 8
Key stats: 25 tackles, one interception
Notes: Skills are there health is the only concern for the talented Canuck.

Hamilton Tiger Cats’ Terrence Toliver (80) goes high to make a catch while being defended by Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Tevaughn Campbell (26) during the first half of CFL football action in Hamilton on Saturday, August 20, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

Otha Foster is a good player, but while he was down south trying out for the NFL Derrick Moncrief played so well that Foster lost his spot, and Moncrief is also cheaper at a time when we’re trying to find some cap space. Foster will be a good pickup for someone,however.

I think it would be really interesting if after free agency is over if you did a piece on why players moved. I often wonder why they do. It can not really be all about money as I am sure that the difference in money is not that huge. What is it then, the city, the coaches, the prospect of playoff money, the cost of living, the closeness to home?